Empowering Residents through Sport and Community Partnerships
We were fortunate to attend a Healthy Living Course organised by Wiltshire Council. One of the key partnerships at the course was with the Bath Rugby Foundation and the Chippenham Cavaliers, a Mixed Ability Rugby team. What started as a fun, educational morning has flourished into life-long friendships with health and wellbeing benefits by building a sense of team, self worth, improved fitness and personal growth.
Inclusive Participation and Supportive Environment
During the course, our residents had the chance to watch others participate in the sport. The team encouraged everyone to get involved, and soon, several residents joined in. Those who enjoyed the experience began attending the Wednesday training sessions and Saturday rugby matches regularly.
The Cavalier's team is a truly inclusive venture. It is not set up solely for people with disabilities to experience the sport. It is accessible to all: Rugby players that aren't looking for the cut and thrust of the first team, professionals who may negatively affect their livelihood if they get injured, people with learning/ physical disabilities who need more time to process a fast paced game, people who may want to get involved in rugby but have not played for a while, if ever (including our registered manager) and veteran rugby players that want to welcome more people into the world of rugby.
What made this experience even more accessible was the timing of the sessions. The training sessions were on a Wednesday evening at the rugby club. This allowed those who hadn’t yet joined the team to come along, watch, and support their fellow housemates. The social aspect of these evenings was key in fostering an inclusive environment. Over time, this gave the people we support the space and time to reflect and build confidence, and after about three months of watching, one individual who had previously been nervous began to join in on his own accord, taking that first step toward participation.
Building Confidence and Friendships
This slow but steady approach has been incredibly beneficial for many of our residents. The opportunity to watch and gradually join the rugby team helped build confidence for those who weren’t ready to jump into an activity immediately. This approach made the experience far more inclusive and empowering, as it supported personal growth at each individual’s own pace.
A Year of Growth and Connection
Our residents have now been part of the rugby team for almost a year. During this time, they’ve experienced the highs and lows of team sport—winning together, losing together, and forging deeper connections with one another. Through their participation, we’ve seen self-esteem flourish as individuals have embraced something they genuinely enjoy. The rewards have been far-reaching, with physical and emotional benefits, including weight loss and the positive effects of endorphin release from regular exercise.
They’ve also forged deep, respectful friendships with their fellow teammates. Their teammates have attended Cocklebury Farmhouse parties and events, regularly attend coffee mornings and we have been invited to their social occasions. The coaches and their families even visited their team mates in the home on Christmas Day. Building a sense of community outside of the care home is invaluable for developing an individual’s feeling of self worth and belonging.
As we play against other Mixed Ability Rugby Teams, there is an opportunity to create bonds across the County and further afield,
Opportunities and Lasting Memories
Thanks to the partnership with the Bath Rugby Foundation, our team had the unforgettable opportunity to play at half-time during the Premiership Rugby Final at Twickenham Stadium. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that our residents will cherish forever. The pride and joy of being part of such an extraordinary event was a testament to the power of sport in building lasting memories and connections.
It was also a powerful statement to demonstrate Mixed Ability Rugby in front of 82,000 spectators. Our hope is that people in the crowd saw the joy that our team had, and thought “that could be me”, or “that could be my son/daughter/ friend”. Everyone should have the opportunity to be part of a team.
But, it’s also the small things. It’s going on a team bus to away games and watching sporting events. It’s being in a team huddle and celebrating with your friends. It’s winning player of the match, and awards at the end of season party. It’s the moments that everyone deserves.
The Power of Community and Teamwork
Through this journey, our residents have learned so much about what it means to be part of a community and a team. The relationships built, the sense of belonging, and the personal growth experienced by everyone involved have been invaluable. This partnership has opened doors to countless opportunities, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who participated.
It also strengthens the relationship between the staff members who participate (Directors, Managers, Seniors and Carers) and the people we support. It develops deep bonds being part of a team, which are key to strong, long-lasting placements.
Being part of something larger than ourselves has taught us all valuable lessons in teamwork, resilience, and friendship—lessons that will stay with us for years to come.
We look forward to another year of training and matches, and organising the Cavaliers Rugby tour for us all to enjoy.
“During this time, I have seen all players including the residents of the homes grow in confidence, become fitter, stronger and lose weight. A particular highlight is watching the social bonds grow and friendships flourish. The health benefits both physically and mentally have been huge. Personally, it is the highlight of my week to train with the team and I look forward to catching up with team members and hearing how their week has been.”
Joining the Cavaliers
We would like to say a big thank you to Huw, and all the Coaches, for setting this up and the effort you put in for helping us and others. If you would like to join this welcome team too, please contact: cavaliers@chippenhamrfc.co.uk